This volume entitled "Protective Coatings and Thin Films : Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" contains the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) held in Alvor, Portugal from May 30 to June 5, 1996. This NATO-ARW was an expert meeting on the surface protection and modification of solid materials subjected to interactions with the environment. The meeting attracted 10 key speakers, 40 contributing speakers and 3 observers from various countries. The existing knowledge and current status of the science and technology related to protective coatings and thin films were assessed through a series of oral presentations, key notes (titles underlined in the volume content) and contributed papers distributed over various sessions dealing with: (a) plasma-assisted physical and chemical vapor deposition processes to enhance wear and corrosion protection of materials, (b) low friction coatings operating in hostile environment (vacuum, space, extreme temperatures, . . . ), (c) polymer films for protection against mechanical damage and chemical attack, (d) characterization of the structure of films and correlations with mechanical properties, (e) wear and corrosion resistant thermal spray coatings, (f) functional gradient ceramic/metallic coatings produced by high energy laser beam and energetic deposition processes for high temperature applications, (g) protective coatings for optical systems, and (h) ion beam assisted deposition of coatings for protection of materials against aqueous corrosion.

Hard or protective coatings are widely used in conventional and modern industries and will continue to play a key role in future manufacturing, especially in the micro and nano areas. Protective Thin Coatings Technology highlights the developments and advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of protective micro-/nanoscaled films and coatings. This book Covers technologies for sputtering of flexible hard nanocoatings, deposition of solid lubricating films, and multilayer transition metal nitrides Describes integrated nanomechanical characterization of hard coatings, corrosion and tribo-corrosion of hard coatings, and high entropy alloy films and coatings Investigates thin films and coatings for high-temperature applications, nanocomposite coatings on magnesium alloys, and the correlation between coating properties and industrial applications Features various aspects of hard coatings, covering advanced sputtering technologies, structural characterizations, and simulations, as well as applications This first volume in the two-volume set, Protective Thin Coatings and Functional Thin Films Technology, will benefit industry professionals and researchers working in areas related to semiconductors, optoelectronics, plasma technology, solid-state energy storages, and 5G, as well as advanced students studying electrical, mechanical, chemical, and material engineering.